Derek Scholes, Ph.D.

Derek T. Scholes, Ph.D. joined the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) in August 2011, where he serves as chief of the Policy and Program Analysis Branch within the Office of Policy, Communication and Education. In this capacity, Dr Scholes leads branch activities on the development and adoption of policies critical for genomic research and the adoption of genomic medicine, and serves as a liaison to Congress and parties interested in NHGRI's research portfolio and other activities. Dr Scholes serves as policy advisor to NHGRI leadership.

Previously, Dr Scholes was a government affairs manager for the American Heart Association (AHA), where he worked on genomic medicine, nutrition, and the prevention of obesity and tobacco use. Before joining AHA, Dr Scholes was the 2005-2006 Genetics and Public Policy Fellow sponsored by NHGRI and the American Society of Human Genetics. As a fellow, he served in the Office of the Director at NHGRI and in the Health Policy Office of Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) within the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.

Dr Scholes holds a bachelor and doctorate degree in genetics from the University of Liverpool, U.K. Prior to moving to Washington, D.C., Dr Scholes was a postdoctoral fellow and staff scientist at the New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center laboratories in Albany, N.Y. During his training, he also served as vice chair of the National Postdoctoral Association.